It looks like the Yankees and David Wells could be primed for one more year of Bronx marriage.

The Yankees kept alive the chance to bring Wells back last night, offering the lefthander arbitration prior to the midnight deadline. Had the Yankees not offered the 40-year-old free agent arbitration, they would have lost negotiating rights with him until May 1, effectively ending his Yankee tenure. Wells has until Dec. 19 to accept arbitration.

Wells’ agent, Gregg Clifton, indicated to the Associated Press there was a good chance Wells (15-7, 4.14 ERA) would be back in The Bronx.

“We made a lot of progress in the last 24 hours and we’re optimistic David will have an opportunity to remain a Yankee,” Clifton said.

Not surprisingly, the Yankees also offered Andy Pettitte arbitration. They are expected to re-sign the 21-game winner, though the Astros are making a strong push to have the Texas native return to his hometown.

The Yankees also offered arbitration to lefty specialist Gabe White and backup catcher John Flaherty and declined to offer it to Roger Clemens, Antonio Osuna and Jeff Nelson.

The club also announced that it had come to terms with Ruben Sierra on a one-year deal, reportedly for $1 million.